Four jailed for total of 37 years for Grangetown attack

IT WAS a “brutal, callous and evil thing to do.” That was a judge’s verdict on the attack which left a Teesside dad with horrific injuries and led to prison sentences totalling at least 37 years being handed out yesterday.

The ex-boxer was crushed between a gate and pillar outside his sister’s Grangetown home in July 2009 before being stabbed in the leg with a samurai sword.

As a result, the lower part of his left leg had to be amputated by surgeons. In the last few months Mr Harland has also lost his right leg.

Passing his sentences on the four men yesterday , Mr Justice Sir Robin Spencer QC said: “The consequences of the offence on Kevin Harland have been catastrophic.

“It is likely he will be wheelchair-bound for life. It is possible he will have to undergo further amputation.” He added: “It is difficult to envisage a more serious case of GBH with intent than this.”

He passed indefinite prison sentences - life by another name - on Andrew Daniels and his brother Mark. Each must serve at least

eight years before they can be considered for parole - and may serve much longer.

The judge told Andrew Daniels: “There is no doubt on all the evidence heard and what I have read that you are a very dangerous offender.

“You regard yourself above the law in Grangetown.”

Kevin Dawson was jailed for eight years. Ex-taxi driver Brian Letchford was jailed for 13 years.

He drove his Skoda cab into Mr Harland outside the victim’s sister’s house on Leighton Road, Grangetown.

He was first said to have driven at Mr Harland on nearby Birchington Avenue.

It was said the taxi was turned around and driven back onto the pavement at Mr Harland who, as the car passed him, swung an axe and hit the vehicle before heading to his sister’s house, where he was hit and crushed by the car.

Witnesses then said they saw the Daniels brothers come out of an alley with weapons.

Letchford, of Lanchester Road, Grangetown, admitted the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after all four were previously cleared of attempted murder at Newcastle Crown Court.

In March 2010 all four were found guilty of attempted murder at Teesside Crown Court and given prison sentences totalling at least 43 years. But in February last year the men made a bid at the Court of Appeal to overturn their convictions and a retrial was arranged.

At the sentencing, Newcastle Crown Court also heard a statement from Kevin Harland, in which he told how the attack had destroyed his life and even caused the breakdown of his relationship. It read: “It has also been difficult with my son who is seven this month.

“He hasn’t wanted to see me for a year because he is frightened of my legs.”

He added: “All I know is I will never walk again.

“I no longer have a life, just a mere existence. At least those who are responsible can do the simple things in life which I crave for.

“I have nothing more to say about the people who have destroyed my life.”

Commenting on the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Lew Matthews, of Cleveland Police, said: “There’s a sliding scale of seriousness for most offences and this case is as serious as grievous bodily harm with intent can be. This has been reflected in the judge’s comments and the sentencing today.

“The removal of these violent people from the streets of Grangetown can only be a good thing for the community.”